1. Dowell Middle School 6th Grade Parent Presentation March 16, 2015

2. Administrative Team Principal – Alan Arbabi Alpha A-L Sara Kriesel-Hall, Assistant Principal Courtney Starnes, Counselor Pamela Coats, Secretary Alpha M-Z Holly Rogers, Assistant Principal Rayshana Adams, Counselor Kim Oberlander, Secretary

3. Goals for Tonight Information on selection of academic and elective courses. Alleviate fears about the transition to middle school. Questions will be answered individually at the end.

4. Materials Review Course Selection Sheet Course Descriptions http://www.mckinneyisd.net/parents/

5. Middle School Philosophy High Academic Standards for All Students Students Introduced to Academic and Extra-Curricular Options Students Begin to Determine Strengths and Preferences Partnership with Students, Families & Community

6. STAAR Testing at Middle School Sixth GradeSeventh GradeEighth Grade Reading Writing Math Science Social Studies The State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness. (STAAR) High School credit courses are moving to End Of Course Exams.

7. Academics McKinney ISD’s curriculum is common to all MISD middle school campuses and aligns to state standards. Core Curriculum is based on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) Curriculum is aligned within the grade level and vertically between grade levels.

8. 6 th Grade Academic Course Offerings 1. ELAR (English Language Arts and Reading) 2. Mathematics ( Academic or Pre-AP) 3. Social Studies (ELM) 4. Science (ELM)

9. Mathematics Pre-AP Profile Consistently makes 3’s in elementary school Are willing to work hard, complete all assignments on time, and are conscientious students. Are ready to commit to a course sequence leading to AP Calculus in high school Is well organized Seeks help when needed

10. Registration Decisions to Consider Which course of Mathematics is most appropriate for your child? Which elective (Art, Band, Choir or Orchestra) is most appropriate for your child?

11. Mathematics Academic or Pre–AP Course Historically score above proficiency on Math STAAR assessments Math MAP score of 220 (Fall 2014) Successful on 5 th grade Math District Assessment

12. Elective Course Choices Art Band Choir Orchestra *All electives are a full year

13. Physical Education Requirement Every student is required to complete 4 semesters of Physical Education while in the Middle School In 6 th Grade a student takes Physical Education every day for the year. 2 semesters of the Physical are completed in 6 th grade towards the Education Requirement. There is a health component that is taught in the Physical Education class.

14. Gifted and Talented If your child is identified GT, Karen Green will provide us information about GT placement for academic classes. If you have questions about GT placement, please contact Karen Green at Email: kjgreen@mckinneyisd.net

15. Math Curriculum Sequence GradeCorePre – AP 6 th 6 th Grade TEKS6 th & 7 th Grade TEKS 7 th 7 th Grade TEKS8 th Grade TEKS Students take the MAP Test at the end of 7 th grade for recommendation of 8 th grade math course placement. 8 th 8 th Grade TEKS Pre - AP MathAlgebra I 9 th Algebra I Geometry 10 th Geometry Algebra II 11 th Algebra II Pre-Calculus 12 th Algebra III or Statistics StatisticsCalculus or Statistics

16. Specialized Instruction Special Education services continue Gifted and Talented: Identified GT students

17. Typical 6 th Grade Day Period 1: ELAR Period 2:Math Period 3: Math Lunch (30 minutes) Period 4:Science Period 5: PE Period 6: History Period 7: Elective such as Band, Orchestra, Choir or Art

18. What’s New For Students? Lockers Backpacks Changing Classes/Passing Period Grading System Lunch (Lots of Choices) Getting Involved Extra curricular activities/Clubs

19. Examples of Clubs/Activities for 6 th Grade Drama Club Youth and Government Robotics Soccer Academic UIL Pep Club

20. 6 th Grade Registration Reminders Students received registration materials at your elementary campus March 3, 2015. Registration forms are due March 20 th to your elementary campus. Changes after March 20 th, will be conducted through Dowell Middle School by designated counselor.

21. Communication is Key MISD GO App Home Access Center (HAC) Progress Reports & Report Cards Dowell website: hhttp://legacy.mckinneyisd.net/Campuses/school_websites/d owell/ hhttp://legacy.mckinneyisd.net/Campuses/school_websites/d owell/ Teacher websites/emails Mr. Arbabi weekly emails Dowell Facebook page and Twitterfeed

22. Welcome to Dowell! Due Date:March 20, 2015 Return Registration Form to your homeroom teacher. Schedule pick up will be in August.